Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

Consider joining the LCMS Basic LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Volunteer Training led by Pastor Sean Chapman, Atlantic District Disaster Response Coordinator. (DDRC). 

Federal guidelines recommend that disaster-response volunteers receive appropriate training before serving in affected communities. This training equips participants to respond safely, effectively, and compassionately when disasters impact churches and communities.

The Basic LERT training focuses on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans serving as Early Responders. It is part of the LCMS Synod-wide disaster response program, supported by a national network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Response Teams. Upon completion of the training, LCMS participants fourteen years and older will receive a certificate, LERT identification badge, and aLERT T-shirt.

In the midst of disaster, it is essential to remain focused on what matters most. At the heart of LERT volunteer training is one central principle: mercy. Christ’s mercy guides everything we say and do as we serve those affected by crisis. This training will help equip you to be an effective and compassionate volunteer, whether responding within your own community or deploying to another disaster site.

Following a brief introduction to the goals and theological foundation of LCMS Disaster Response, the training will cover:

Christian care in times of disaster A Ministry of Presence The LERT program and its role alongside other responders Introduction to disaster response Service opportunities following a disaster Deployment procedures and safety protocols

Location: Our Savior Lutheran Church

We encourage all LCMS members who are 15 or older and are interested in serving others through disaster response ministry to attend.

This training will be hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Location:

Our Savior Lutheran Church

63 Mountain View Ave.

Albany, NY 12205

Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by the Atlantic District to provide LERT Basic & Intermediate Chainsaw training on August 7th-8th  in Albany, NY. This chainsaw training increases our dedicated LERT volunteers’ capabilities and gives them the capacity to extend mercy from the congregation to those who lack the means or skills to perform this dangerous work in their communities.

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic training class to participate in this class.

During the training, you will learn the following:

Safe operation of a chainsaw Personal protective equipment (PPE) Injury prevention Physics of cutting trees How to buck and limb fallen trees How to fell a tree How to clear debris in a safe and efficient manner

To be authorized as a LCMS LERT Chainsaw operator or dragger, volunteers must attend both the classroom and hands-on training/workday.

 Volunteers will need to bring the following if they have:

Chainsaw, bar oil, gas, extra chains and bar Chaps (sawyers only) and other Personal Protection Gear (hard hat, heavy work gloves, eye & ear protection, work boots)  Outdoor work clothes appropriate for the weather at that time. (It is always wise to dress in layers) Bug Spray Lawn chair

BASIC & INTERMEDIATE CHAINSAW TRAINING & WORKDAY SCHEDULE
 
Friday, August 7, Classroom   
5:00 – 5:30 pm  Check-in/Registration
5:30 – 9:30 pm  Basic Chainsaw Safety Training
 
Saturday, August 8, Hands-on Training & Workday
8:00 - 8:15 am    Check-in/Registration 
8:15 - 4:00 pm    Hands-on Chainsaw Training & Workday

Location: 

Our Savior Lutheran Church
63 Mountain View Ave.
Albany, NY 12205

**Attendees will travel to a site in Fuera Bush, NY, for Hands-on Training & Workday.

Cost: There is a $35.00 fee for those taking Chainsaw Training.

Our Savior Lutheran Church will provide dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday.